Poultry

All poultry and captive birds in England are being ordered to be kept indoors in a bid to stem the avian flu epidemic.

Maximising the genetic potential of the modern hybrid laying bird can increase the egg production cycle. Ellie Layton reports.

Industry chiefs have warned there could be 50 per cent fewer turkeys available this Christmas as the sector battles the largest ever outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI). By Hannah Binns and Ewan Pate.

The Government has announced all bird keepers in England, Scotland and Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to stop Avian Influenza (AI) spreading. 

Industry chiefs have urged Defra to consider expanding regional housing measures on a national basis to protect birds from Avian Influenza (AI). By Hannah Binns and Jane Thynne.

The decision by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss will see mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex come into effect from 00:01

Industry chiefs have urged Defra to consider expanding regional housing measures on a national basis to reflect any increases of risk for Avian Influenza (AI). 

The free range egg sector is in crisis as producers lose £8.63 on every hen, amounting to nearly £250,000 for the average flock of 32,000 birds.

A Norfolk abattoir has been fined £300,000 after residents claimed they could not leave their homes owing to the stench of decaying poultry.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss has urged free-range egg producers to plan and be prepared for another Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak this winter.